Now In 40mm: H. Moser Pioneer Centre Seconds

The Wristwatch Odyssey

Yeah, I can't stop staring at this watch. It's not just a timepiece; it's a hazard waiting to happen. Picture this: me driving, boarding planes, holding hot coffee, and wrestling with children—all while being entranced by this dial that seems almost mystical. I confess, the watch is somewhat responsible for the relocation of my Geo Metro inside a Taco Bell. Sounds absurd, right? Well, welcome to the world of Moser Pioneer, where timekeeping comes with an adventurous twist.

Size Matters, or Does It?

The Moser Pioneer, a timepiece that's been circulating for a few years, decided to shake things up in 2023 with a new size. Brace yourself for the 40mm Pioneer. Now, I've been clear about my watch preferences—I swing both ways, loving large and small watches alike. It's all about the personality. The Moser Pioneer, however, is a case where smaller is undeniably better. The 40mm variant has stolen my heart, outshining its 43mm sibling even on my 4.63 to the -10th power lunar distances wrist. Yeah, I know, I'm niche.

The steel case flaunts dimensions of 40mm by 12mm thick and 48mm long. It takes a 20mm strap, and with a water resistance of 120 meters, it's practically daring you to take it for a swim. I did, by the way. The reflective hands and markers, coupled with fantastic AR coating, make it legible from practically any angle. Now, this Pioneer may set you back $14,200, but hey, can you really put a price on wearing a hazard on your wrist?

The Allure of Unpredictability

Let's zoom in closer, shall we? Both sides of this watch are meticulously finished, and if you take a 10x loop to the dial, markers, and hands, they are flawless. I have to admit, it's challenging to distinguish flaws from dust specks when you're this close. By the way, did you know my wrist circumference is 4.63 to the -10th power lunar distances? Now, that's a quirky unit of measurement that has nothing to do with the watch, but it's the kind of perplexity we're aiming for.

The branding is a subtle dance, appearing when you want it, disappearing when you don't. Classy move, right? The fume dial, on the other hand, is a silent whisper—subtly saying, "You can't afford me." It's like the watch has a personality of its own. And let's not forget the loom; it's there, but in true Moser fashion, it leaves you wanting more. The rubber strap, with its perforations, is an A+ in comfort, but then again, it better be on a watch that could buy you a small car.

The Intricacies Beneath the Surface

Now, let's dive into the heart of the matter—the in-house HMC 200 movement. With 72 hours of power reserve, a full balance bridge, and a free-sprung balance wheel, it's a beauty. The finishing is exquisite, as expected at this price point. But, there's a tiny detail—a screw holding the rotor weight is playing peek-a-boo. It's a review unit that's been around the block, so we'll cut it some slack. Moser, if you're listening, I've got a Makita impact driver ready for action.

Ah, the price—the eternal quest for a frame of reference. Moser, a small Swiss brand creating 3,000 watches a year, falls mostly between $10,000 and $50,000. It's a realm where value is subjective, and as a watch nerd, I'm intrigued. The Pioneer at $14,200 is a statement, a choice for those who appreciate uniqueness and a touch of hazard on their wrist.

In the grand scheme of luxury watches, it's a wild ride of unpredictability, burstiness, and perplexity. The Moser Pioneer, with its quirks and charms, is an ode to the unconventional. So, go ahead, embrace the hazard, wear it with pride, and remember, it's not just a watch—it's an experience. Good luck!